The British Libyan Business Association (BLBA) reported that it visited Misrata last week to explore the opportunities for British engagement.
The BLBA, permanently based in Libya, with a continual UK team, said it engaged with several significant entities to explore the next steps to bring British commerce and industry back to the city. It said that its team, a mixture of British and Libyan nationals, travelled extensively whilst in Misrata and was warmly welcomed by everybody they met.
The BLBA said they discussed sector-specific areas where British business would thrive in Misrata:
- English Language training both in Libya and the UK.
- Supporting all aspects of the dairy industry, including supply, herd management and building. agricultural capacity.
- Industrial spare parts.
- Certified training in many sectors, including IT.
- Consultancy within the banking sector.
- Assisting and re-engaging with the iron and steel industry.
Jon Hancock, Chairman of the BLBA, told Libya Herald “It was truly exciting to meet with so many organisations and individuals who were enthused with the potential return of UK commerce to Libya. No doubt having a physical on-the-ground presence and demonstrable visibility in meeting with these companies directly gives the United Kingdom a significant advantage in business development.
We are now looking to organise sector-specific missions with UK companies into Libya to explore the potential opportunities further. The BLBA would especially like to thank the Mayor of Misrata, Mahmoud Sigutri, for his support and hospitality during the visit.”
Alex Breingan, CEO of the BLBA, said, “The BLBA had a very productive and successful business development trip to Misrata. We had inspiring and constructive meetings with several key players in the business community. The unifying theme was that Misrata is keen to reconnect with the British business sector and re-establish the decades-long alliances and collaboration that have been missing for the past ten years. Misrata is proof that Libya is open for business.”
